Jamie Olson: Golf Tip

By Jamie Olson
LPGA Member T & CP Division
1st Assistant Golf Professional/
Teaching Professional
Leisure World Country Club
Mesa, Arizona
Cactus Golf Daily Contributing Writer

A number of errors originate in the address and takeaway position, which may result in a shot that you didn't intend on. The shot that we will discuss this month is called a SLICE. The definition of a slice for a right-handed player is where a stroke is made and the ball curves to the right of the intended target. This is a common problem for a large number of golfers. A sliced shot usually has loss of distance and is not accurate. With the following information you should be able to setup and takeaway properly and rid yourself of that awful slice that is so frustrating.

Golf Tip:

1) In your grip make sure that the "V" that is created between your thumb and index finger point to your right shoulder and not your left shoulder. 2) Make sure your shoulders, knees, and feet are aligned to your target. You don't want your body aligned left with the stance open. 3) Make sure your stance is about shoulder width apart, which allows for proper body turn. 4) At the top of the backswing you want the forearm and hand relationship to be straight. If they are not you will have an open clubface. Your professional should be able to check this with a video camera or you yourself can check it by looking in a mirror.

Closing:

The best way to work on the address and takeaway is to work on these four things by hitting in five ball increments. Just think of one thing at a time; hit five balls and then move onto the next. In time they should become natural and you should be a success on the golf course. Good luck and keep on swinging!